Technology: Positve and Negative Components

     There are several positive aspects to technology changing in society today. Students are able to access a plethora of information quickly and efficiently. Gone are the days where a student had to search books line by line to answer a single question. The lack of monotony keeps students engaged, and more willing to learn because the process is not so painstaking anymore. Also, students have more access to teachers: whether it be Twitter, YouTube, or other computer programs that offer tips or digital tutoring, students can receive the specific assistance they need. Changing technology also allows students access to their grades through student portals. In the past, grades were kept in written gradebooks and students did not always have access to them. Now, students can monitor grades on their own, and have a better understanding  of which area needs improvement.
    Improvements in technology are beneficial to teachers as well. As global education is evolving, teachers have access to colleagues all over the world. Educators can share and compare tips, tricks, strategies, and lesson plans with millions of colleagues with a couple clicks of a button!
     The most worrisome negative aspect of the evolution and improvement of technology is simple: safety. Because kids now carry a digital footprint, it is with the utmost concern that educators and parents teach children Internet safety. But, kids are kids, and they do not always listen to what they're told. They are not only at risk of coming into cyber contact with sexual predators or other criminals, but they are also a risk among themselves. Cyber bullying has become a real worry amongst parents of school aged children and beyond. Social media such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can be a hellish place for some kids. In the past, if a child was bullied, it only happened when  the victim was in the physical presence of the bully, or possible prank calls at home. Now, victims of bullying are subject to it 24/7. Furthermore, every one has a cellphone that records. In the past, if a person was to make a stupid mistake, even something as silly as tripping on their shoe lace while walking down a hallway, the incident was forgotten with time. Now, cameras record every mistake someone makes and it is readily available for the person to relive for all time.